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A man who grew cannabis in an underground container has been ordered to pay back more than £24,000 of drugs proceeds.

Gavin Fearnley, 36, of Tong Lane, Bacup , was found to have benefited from his criminality at a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Burnley Crown Court.

He has been ordered to pay back the full amount of £24,863.17 within six months or he will face a default 14-month prison sentence.

Police said he will owe the money for as long as it takes him to pay it all back.

Fearnley was originally sentenced on May 3 this year to two years and eight months in prison for possession with intent to supply cocaine, production of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis, abstraction of electricity and possession of an offensive weapon. Financial Investigator Adrian Crorken welcomed the court’s decision.

He said: “I am happy with the fact that we have been able to get back Fearnley’s illegally amassed money, through the POCA process.

“POCA seizures allow us to take back cash from offenders which they have gained through their criminal behaviour.

“We are able to seize cash, cars and even a person’s home if it is thought these items were used to facilitate carrying out crime or were bought with an offender’s illegal profits.

“POCA is one of many tools we are using to come down hard on criminals.

“I hope this sends out a warning, if we find you with cash that you cannot account for, you will be targeted and we will seize back the money you have made.”